Golden Retrievers are a well-loved breed, which is no surprise given their kind-hearted, affectionate nature and goofy, playful side. Their thick, water-repellent double coat is beautiful but requires quite a lot of grooming to keep them healthy and looking their best. We’ll take a look at 6 of the best brushes for the Golden Retriever, comparing brush type, durability, and general quality.
The Best Brushes for Golden Retriever2023 Review
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The Best Brushes for Golden Retriever
Editor's Choice
Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush- Best combo brush
- Pin brush and bristle brush in 1
- Ergonomic handle
Runner Up
FURminator Firm Slicker Brush For Dogs- Best slicker brush
- Both bent and straight pins
- Dual flex head
Also Good
Paws & Pals Best In Show Dog & Cat Deshedding Tool- Best de-shedding brush
- Removes loose hair
- Reduces shedding
More Detailed Golden Retriever Brush Reviews
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush review
Features
- Best combo brush
- Pin brush and bristle brush in 1
- Ergonomic handle
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you need the best brush for Golden Retrievers, the Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush is a fantastic choice. This brush has 2 sides: a pin brush and a bristle brush, making it extremely practical for your pup. The stainless-steel pins help to remove tangles and loose fur, while the nylon bristles distribute your dog’s natural oils making their coat soft and shiny.
This brush is designed to be durable and practical. I loved that this brush was gentle on my dog, with safety tips on the pins. I appreciated the ergonomic handle which I found made the brush easy to hold and use.
Pros
- Owners generally found this brush helped to remove loose hair as well as tackling tangles and mats
- Many owners said this brush left their dog’s coat in good condition
- Many owners found the dual-sided aspect of this brush convenient and stated it made the brush great value for money
- Owners of dogs with double coats (like Golden Retrievers) found this brush helped them to get through their dog’s thick coat without pulling at it or being too harsh
- Rubber handle is easy to hold with lots of owners stating it was comfortable to use
- Several owners said their dog enjoyed being brushed with his brush
Cons
- Some felt this brush was too harsh for their dog, in particular owners of short-haired dogs
- Some owners felt this brush wasn’t as good at de-tangling and reducing shedding as they had hoped
- Some felt the bristle side of the brush was too harsh for their dog’s skin
- Some owners found this brush wasn’t as high-quality as they expected, with some experiencing breakage after a period of use
- When their dog was shedding, some owners found it hard to remove hair from the brush
Ann-Marie Sharpe
FURminator Firm Slicker Brush For Dogs review
Features
- Best slicker brush
- Both bent and straight pins
- Dual flex head
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The FURminator Firm Slicker Brush For Dogs is an excellent choice if you want the best dog brush for Golden Retrievers. This slicker brush is excellent for tackling tangles and mats, keeping your Retriever’s coat smooth and healthy. This brush has straight pins on 1 side and bent pins on the other, making it adaptable and practical for different areas of your dog’s coat.
I loved that the head of the brush was flexible which I found made it move over the shape of my dog easily. The handle was easy to hold, and I generally felt the brush was easy to use. This brush is firm and durable yet not too harsh on your dog’s coat.
Pros
- Owners generally found this brush helped to remove loose hair from their dog’s undercoat
- Many found this brush helped to reduce shedding around the home
- Owners found this brush efficiently remove tangles and mats, even for dogs with thick or double coats like the Retriever
- Owners appreciated the 2 types of pins, feeling this brush was versatile
- Owners of large breed dogs like the Golden Retriever found the large head of this brush made grooming easier and quicker
- Most owners found that when used correctly this brush didn’t pull or tug at their dog’s fur
Cons
- Pins can be prone to coming loose or bending after a period of regular use
- May be too harsh for dogs with short hair, with some owners of short-haired breeds stating it was too tough on their dog’s skin
- Can be hard to remove hair from as the pins are quite dense
- Some found this brush didn’t remove as much loose hair from their dog as other brushes they’d tried
- Some owners felt this brush wasn’t as high-quality or durable as they had expected
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Paws & Pals Best In Show Dog & Cat Deshedding Tool review
Features
- Best de-shedding brush
- Removes loose hair
- Reduces shedding
Ann-Marie Sharpe
If you’re searching for the best brush for shedding Golden Retrievers, the Paws & Pals Best In Show Dog & Cat Deshedding Tool is a perfect choice. The high-quality, durable stainless-steel blade is designed to tackle your Golden’s undercoat without damaging their fur.
This tool helps to get rid of loose hair efficiently. With regular use it reduces shedding around the home and prevents matting, making it perfect when your Golden Retriever is shedding heavily. I found this brush very effective on my double-coated dog and found the comfort-grip handle made brushing sessions more comfortable for me.
Pros
- Owners generally found this brush was highly effective at removing loose hair and reducing shedding
- Many owners said this was far more effective than other brushes and de-shedding tools they’d tried
- Some said they felt this tool was gentle on their pet’s skin and wasn’t too harsh on their fur
- Many said their dog liked being groomed with this brush, even with dogs who usually don’t like being brushed
- Many said this left their dog’s coat in great condition and looking healthy
- Some owners felt this was a great, more affordable option than other similar brushes
Cons
- Smaller than some other de-shedding tools, with some owners feeling it wasn’t large enough for their pet
- Many said fur should be detangled with another brush before using this tool, as it can pull on mats and tangles
- Some felt this tool was too harsh on their dog’s skin and fur
- Some owners stated this brush didn’t work as well as other similar brushes they had tried
Ann-Marie Sharpe
KONG Dog ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush review
Features
- Best wet and dry brush
- Can use dry or in bath
- Gently removes loose hair
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The KONG Dog ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush is a great choice, with high-quality plastic bristles to gently remove loose hair and detangle your dog’s coat. It massages your dog’s skin and coat while you groom them, which improves circulation and stimulates natural oil production. This promotes healthier skin and a healthy coat for your best pal.
I loved that this brush could be used dry, or in the bath to massage in shampoo. I found it was durable yet very gentle and left my dog’s coat looking great. In fact, if you’re looking for the best brush for Golden Retriever puppies, this is an excellent, gentle option.
Pros
- Owners generally felt this brush was great at removing loose hair, dirt, and debris from their dog’s coat
- Owners of dogs with thick coats who shed a lot, like the Golden Retriever, found this brush helped to reduce shedding around the home
- Many owners liked that this brush massaged their dog while they were being groomed, which many dogs seemed to enjoy
- Owners found using this brush in the bath made bathing their dog quicker and more effective
- Most owners liked that this brush was a much gentler option than other brushes they’d tried
- In general, owners felt this brush helped to keep their dog’s coat in a healthy condition
Cons
- Some owners found this brush didn’t remove as much hair as other brushes
- Some owners of short-haired breeds felt this brush wasn’t effective on their dog’s coat
- Not designed to stand up to chewing, with some owners saying their dog chewed through this brush
- Removed hair falls to floor rather than sticking to the brush as with other brushes, which some owners didn’t like
- Some owners stated they wish this brush had a handle to make it easier to hold
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Four Paws Magic Coat Professional Series Instant Mat & Tangle Remover review
Features
- Best mat and tangle remover brush
- Detangles tough mats
- Easy to use
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Four Paws Magic Coat Professional Series Instant Mat & Tangle Remover is a good choice to tackle hard-to-reach mats and tangles in your Golden Retriever’s fur. Robust stainless-steel pins are designed to penetrate the mat. The double row of pins helps to break up the mats while reducing damage to your dog’s coat.
While regular brushing should mean tough mats don’t develop, if they occasionally do happen this tool is a great option for detangling them. I found this tool comfortable to hold and easy to use.
Pros
- Many owners found this brush was highly effective at tackling mats and tangles
- Owners generally felt this brush was gentle on their pet even when removing tough mats
- Most owners felt the handle was easy and comfortable to hold
- Owners of dogs with an undercoat, like the Retriever, found this brush very useful
- Some said this brush was very durable and lasted a long time even when used regularly
- Owners generally felt this tool was great value given its effectiveness and low price
Cons
- Some owners found this brush didn’t work on their dog’s coat, in particular mentioning it didn’t help to tackle stubborn mats
- Some stated they preferred other brush types to tackle tangles and mats, such as slicker brushes
- Some felt this brush was too harsh on their pet’s skin and coat
- Some owners of small dogs stated they felt this would be better suited to large breeds with thick coats, like the Golden Retriever
Ann-Marie Sharpe
Safari De-Matting Dog Comb review
Features
- Best de-matting comb
- Great for tough tangles and mats
- Thumb rest for increased control
Ann-Marie Sharpe
The Safari De-Matting Dog Comb is a wonderful option to remove loose hair, tackle tangles, and even break up tough mats. The high-quality, rust-resistant, stainless-steel serrated blades can cut through the toughest of mats. Don’t worry though, they have rounded ends to ensure your dog is safe!
I found the rubber handle was easy to grip. I liked the thumb rest near the blades, which I felt gave me more control during grooming. Overall, I found this tool was very effective at removing mats and stubborn tangles.
Pros
- Most owners found this tool highly effective at removing mats easily and quickly, even mats that were large, hard to reach, or stubborn
- Many said they felt this tool was gentle on their dog when used correctly and carefully
- Owners found this brush was very durable and long-lasting, even with regular use
- Owners of dogs with thick hair and an undercoat, including the Golden Retriever, found this tool helped to keep their dog’s coat in great condition
- Many said this tool was a game-changer in their grooming routine and they would recommend it to others
Cons
- Some owners of small dogs, dogs with short hair, or puppies, felt this tool was too harsh for their dog
- Some found this tool intimidating and worried it would hurt their dog
- Some felt this brush was too hard to use and were concerned about the sharp blades, with some stating they wished there were clearer instructions
- Careful use is required, especially when cleaning the tool as it’s sharp
- Some owners found this wasn’t effective at tackling tangles and mats
Things to Look for in a Brush for a Golden Retriever
To help you pick the best brush for your Golden Retriever, you should keep the following in mind:
Brush Type
With lots of brush types on the market, it can be confusing to figure out what’s right for your dog. A pin brush or combination brush are good choices for daily grooming. Slicker brushes help to remove mats and tangles, which is great for keeping your Golden’s coat in good condition.
A comb can be helpful to detangle mats you find during grooming. A comb can also be used on feathered areas, meaning hair that’s typically longer than the rest of the coat behind the ears, chest, legs, and tail. Rubber or plastic grooming brushes can be helpful to gently remove excess hair and massage your dog to stimulate natural oil production.
De-matting and de-shedding tools can be very useful to tackle mats and get rid of loose hair. These should be used less often and with care. They’re especially useful when your dog is going through a period of heavy shedding.
High-Quality Materials
A brush made from high-quality materials is likely to last longer and generally be better quality for your dog. Look for high-quality plastic or wooden backs. Brushes with wires, pins, or bristles should be sturdy yet gentle on your dog.
Sturdy and Durable
Since you’ll be doing a lot of grooming and the Golden Retriever’s coat is thick, you need a brush that’s sturdy and durable. It should be able to perform well and last over time.
Easy to Grip Handle
Brushing your Retriever can be time-consuming and quite labor-intensive (especially during shedding season), so it’s important you have a brush that’s easy to hold and that feels comfortable for you.
Correct Size of Brush
Since Golden Retrievers are a large breed, brushes with large heads will help you to get through their coat quickly and easily.
The Golden Retriever Coat
Golden Retrievers have thick, beautiful, water-repellent, coats. They’re double-coated, which means they have 2 layers of coat. This double coat keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Their thick coat starts growing in at around 3 months old and they should have their full double coat by 18 months of age. As an adult, some Retrievers will have straight hair, while others may have wavy or curly hair. No need to worry though, they all look beautiful!
Like most dogs, Golden Retrievers shed. The American Kennel Club explains that they shed: “once or twice a year, and they also shed more moderately on a continuous basis.”
The Importance of Brushing Your Golden Retriever
It’s crucial to regularly brush your Golden Retriever. Let’s take a look at why it’s so important:
- Regular brushing prevents mats which can be uncomfortable for your dog
- Brushing gets rid of tangles and helps keep your dog’s coat in top condition
- It removes loose hair and prevents your Retriever’s hair from getting all over your home, especially during heavy shedding season
- Brushing helps remove dirt, dead skin, and build up from your dog’s coat
- The brushing process massages your dog’s coat and skin, helping to improve circulation and stimulate natural oil production
- Regular grooming allows you to spot any problems with your dog’s health, including skin irritation, injuries, lumps, rashes, fleas, and ticks
- Grooming is a bonding experience between you and your dog, allowing you to enjoy time with one another and deepen your connection
- Grooming helps to keep your dog smelling and looking their best
How to Groom Your Golden Retriever
Brushing Your Golden Retriever
When your Golden Retriever is shedding normally, you should brush them at least once a week. Daily is better if possible. During shedding season, it’s crucial you brush them daily.
You can gently back-brush their coat to begin with, especially if there’s lots of dirt and debris in your dog’s coat (this is likely if your dog has been out exploring). You should then brush in the direction of their coat all over their body to get out any tangles.
If your dog’s coat is very tangled, you can use a detangling spray or some water before brushing. If it’s quite smooth and fairly tangle-free, you can brush them dry. It’s important you always brush them both before and after a bath.
Keep sessions short and use lots of praise and treats to ensure your dog doesn’t get frustrated. It’s better to do a few short sessions rather than 1 long one if your dog isn’t enjoying being brushed. It’s best to start grooming your dog when they’re a puppy to get them used to the process: that way they’ll find it less stressful.
Additional Grooming
As well as brushing, there are other steps to the grooming process you need to carry out regularly. Unless your dog is competing in shows, is a working dog, or gets particularly muddy, a bath once a month is sufficient to keep them clean.
Since the Golden’s hair is so long and thick, you should rinse them twice to ensure you get all of the shampoo out. You should then towel dry them. Due to their thick coat, it’s best to use a dog-safe hair drier to dry them off after a bath.
You should keep your dog’s nails trimmed. Clipping their nails once a month should be enough to keep them in good condition. They should also have a regular teeth-cleaning routine to ensure you keep plaque and tartar at bay.
Golden’s are prone to ear infections, so it’s important you regularly check their ears and keep them clean. If your dog has been swimming, dry the inside of their ears with cotton balls afterward to minimize the chances of infections.
In regard to cutting your dog’s hair, Golden Retrievers should never be shaved or clipped as this can ruin their double coat. You can trim your dog’s coat instead or thin it out using thinning shears if you prefer. You should also trim the hair between the pads on their feet to keep them tidy and ensure your dog has plenty of grip during exercise.
You can cut your dog’s nails at home, as well as trim their fur if you feel confident. If you are inexperienced or lacking in confidence, you can always take them to a professional groomer regularly. You should ideally take them every 6 to 8 weeks.
Brush for a Golden Retriever FAQ
How often should you groom your Golden Retriever?
You should brush your Golden Retriever a few times a week or even daily, especially during heavy shedding season. They should be given a full groom every 6 to 8 weeks, whether this is at home or by taking them to the groomers.
How do you deal with your Golden Retriever shedding?
The breed sheds a lot, but don’t panic, with regular brushing and grooming you can keep shedding around the home to a minimum.
Conclusion
The right brush can make all the difference when tackling that thick, double coat. With regular grooming, your Golden Retriever’s coat will be looking fluffy, tangle-free, and beautiful!
References
American Kennel Club, (2021), “Golden Retriever”.
The Best Brushes for Golden Retriever
Editor's Choice
Hartz Groomer's Best Combo Dog Brush- Best combo brush
- Pin brush and bristle brush in 1
- Ergonomic handle
Runner Up
FURminator Firm Slicker Brush For Dogs- Best slicker brush
- Both bent and straight pins
- Dual flex head
Also Good
Paws & Pals Best In Show Dog & Cat Deshedding Tool- Best de-shedding brush
- Removes loose hair
- Reduces shedding
